Theremin

It’s a summer cabin, but air-conditioned, and that means insulation. The space heater keeps the bathroom warm enough. Theremin fills the bathtub with pillows and books. She shuts the door on winter.

The space heater glows and its cord is frayed; its metal grille recalls a goalie’s mask. It’s dangerous just to be near it, moreso to keep it on all day. Reading a paperback means toasting its edges brown.

Theremin runs out of food and keeps reading. The cabin’s owners will notice the electricity bill. They’ll find her. She’ll already be in the tub. She’ll never be cold again.